PHOENIX — Fresh off an exciting WNBA Finals run, the Phoenix Mercury unveiled their 2026 WNBA schedule with playful twists.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) is introduced before the WNBA Finals Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
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The team rolled out the schedule using fun drawings of each player and the teams they’ll face this season. Highlighting marquee matchups, road trips, homestands and the Commissioner’s Cup, the drawings mirrored the same style the Mercury used during their victories last season, continuing a trend fans have come to love.
Head coach Nate Tibbetts also appeared in the unveiling in a video, showcasing his “offseason duties” and having fun working through different departments that help the organization run.
It was a lighthearted way to release the schedule, tying in elements from the team’s magical 2025 season while incorporating humor along the way.
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Phoenix has always leaned into its personality, and that approach helps create hype moments like this. Other WNBA teams have embraced dramatic and creative schedule reveals as well, but the Mercury have been especially effective at tying their personality and team identity into the rollout to generate excitement.
Phoenix Mercury fans cheer in the first half during Game 3 of WNBA semifinals at PHX Arena on Sept. 26, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Phoenix is set to face the reigning WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, on the road to open the season on May 9. They will then open their home schedule against the Minnesota Lynx on May 12.
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The team will also take on the league’s newest additions, hosting the Toronto Tempo for the first time on May 19 and facing the Portland Fire on the road for the first time on June 5.
The regular season will run from May 8 to Sept. 24, with a break from Aug. 31 to Sept. 16 for the 2026 FIBA World Cup.
Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) celebrates with teammates against the Golden State Valkyries in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
With a new season on the horizon and another opportunity to finish the story they left off in 2025, Phoenix looks towards another year of competition.
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Fans can check out the full schedule on the team’s social media platforms or down below.
